Three new threats at large and one thrown behind bars | Avast

The ransomware strain that locked up the city of Atlanta in March of this year has returned, cybersecurity experts report, but with one mysterious addition. This new variant of the most infamous ransomware in the world requires input from the attackers themselves in order to fully execute. In a 5-step process, the fifth step necessitates a password to be entered from the ransomers. Some experts speculate this new measure has been put in place to lock out researchers from examining the intricacies of the malware, in case they find a working version. Others speculate this strain was developed for more nefarious purposes than simply making money, as it allows cybercriminals to handpick their individual victims.